Homeschooling here we go...

We have our curriculum and "Yes, it does say "Kindergarten." My Father's World is very much a God-centered curriculum and all inclusive. Carlee will learn how to read, write, some math, and a little science this year. To think I will be the one teaching her these things, blows my mind. You can all say a prayer for me. It's going to be an adventure!
(Sorry about the naked little boy, Zachary is learning how to use the potty in this picture, that's another post)

It's hard to believe that we are a homeschooling family. There are so many reasons why we have decided to take this road less traveled. One being: more family time. Carlee is so smart and so ready to learn she will make homeschooling a breeze I'm sure, but Zachary on the other hand has not spent a moment apart from me since he was born and does not share me well. Just today, I was working with Carlee on her creation lesson (it's a 10 day lesson prior to starting the real lessons, which only took 45 minutes) and Zachary was having a meltdown every 5 seconds. He did not like me spending time with Carlee and wanted my undivided attention. I gave him plenty of things to keep his attention, but he was not going for it. He spent most of the time in his room sitting on his bed until he was done crying. I knew it would probably be that way, but it was still hard. After it was all over, I found myself crying and feeling so ill-equip for the task of homeschooling... thinking to myself, "what if I can't do it? what if I yell and get mad? what if I teach her the wrong thing or don't teach her enough? why me?" It's all very overwhelming, just the responsibility of it all. I know I could teach Carlee during Zachary's nap, but then I would never get a break and Zachary might never learn how to share me.... Breathe.

So I will persevere and trust God that He spoke to our family regarding this decision and lean on His understanding and ways. He will direct our paths each day and it will be His plan. I know He wants to accomplish something great in me and through me and in our family. I will bend the knee and surrender to His will because it won't get any better until I do. He knows what is best and He is for me! Everything will get better as we take one day at a time. I know my kids will adjust and I will too. With God on our side... all things are possible!

Summer Fun

We went to Carnebrook pool this past week and made it their early to play on the playground. I finally took my camera with us to capture the fun. Zachary had lots of fun running and climbing all over the playground before it got too hot. Thank you Lord for the cloud cover.

Splashing around... Zachary jumped up and fell on his knees several times in a row- laughing and having the best time.

I love this picture of Carlee! She was able to work her way across a couple of monkey bars. She still needs more muscle power. She doesn't quite understand why she can't make it all the way across yet. She is so brave to try!

Carlee learned how to swim this summer. Greg and I worked with her and she gained the confidence to do it. After watching her friend- Henry swim she started to try to put her face in and about two weeks later- she was swimming. We're so proud of her!! No more floaties!!

Here she is swimming under the water. I guess she is ready to be baptized!! :)

We have spent so many days at the pool this summer. It's been so much fun! Aunt Rachel has joined us for many of the occasions and has made it very easy to watch Carlee and Zachary. We're going to miss our pool days. It's hard to believe summer is almost over.

Carlee's Salvation Day

I am thrilled to announce that Carlee made a decision today that will change her entire life. She excepted Jesus into her heart. Thank you Lord!!
We have been home today because Carlee threw up last night and has been a little sick with a stomach bug. We were sitting at the kitchen table painting with water colors. Carlee painted a big cross and a little cross right next to it. She said (pointing to the big cross), "This is the cross God died on" and then she said (pointing to the little cross) "And this is the cross I die on." I thought about the emphasis of her statement and agreed she was right. Then I went on to explain what she had just said. I told her that we die on a cross when we ask Jesus into our hearts. We are asking Him to live in us so we no longer live. Reminds me of Matthew 16:24-25 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." I then told her about the sin in the garden between Adam and Eve and we are all born with sin in our hearts, but God can forgive us of our sin and He already has through Jesus' death on the cross. Now all we do is have to accept him into our hearts and ask Him to forgive us. So the next thing Carlee said was, "Jesus, can you come and live in my heart? Will you please forgive me for all my sin? I'm going to live for you." No coaching necessary.... she made this decision all on her own and prayed the prayer of salvation as it were the most natural thing to do. I said, "Carlee do you know what you just did? You asked Jesus to live in your heart! You know what the angels are doing in heaven right now? They are rejoicing and having a party because you are going to heaven." She was very excited and knew the decision she made was great. She said, "Now, I get to talk to God?!" I told her, "Yes, and he will talk to you too." The she said that the picture she made was going to be for Him. She had me write "Love, Carlee and To God." Let the discipleship training begin.
This is an answer to our prayers. For her to know and understand at a young age how Jesus loves her and has saved her from her sins is such a beautiful start in the right direction. God has had victory on this day. What could have been a miserable day for Carlee (being sick and all) has now turned into rejoicing and praise!! Hallelujah!!
One cool thing I want to add is today is Greg and my engagement day anniversary. It was 8 years ago exactly that Greg asked for my hand in marriage. One other cool fact is that the number 8 is significant for "New Beginnings." God created the earth in 7 days and it was on the 8th day that He sent Adam into His creation to take care of it. Just as God has given Carlee to us to take care of, her new beginning happened 8 years after our engagement. Wow! God's timing is awesome and perfect! I love how relational our God is and how personal!

FAT Lip

Zachary got his first fat lip last night. It happened 2 seconds before dinner, earning him a popsicle for dinner. Greg and I are still not sure how it happened, but we know Carlee was involved. There was a lot of blood and it swelled up pretty quick. The first thing Zachary said after noticing it felt different was, "Mouth? BIG!!" We laughed. The homeopathy treatment worked well. Today it has gone down tremendously.